The #1 Tip to Reduce Pain from Mouse Usage Now

Have you been experiencing pain in your hands, wrists, and fingers whenever you use your computer mouse?  Mouse pain is a common problem that is easily addressed when you have the right information and tools.  Whether you have carpal tunnel syndrome, suffer from a repetitive stress injury or repetitive motion disorder, or are experiencing general pain in this area, the primary cause of mouse related pain is how you position your wrists, hands, and fingers.   

 Awkward postures while working on your computer can often lead to:

·         Pain, stiffness, & tenderness from overexertion of your fingers and application of too much force

·         Pain and numbness in your forearms and wrists resulting from contact stress when leaning against sharp edges and hard surfaces

·         Fatigued muscles resulting from misalignment of your neck, shoulders, arms, and hands

 

Love Your Mouse!  Find Your Best Fit

Now that we have identified the culprit, we can address how to find relief.  You might have guessed the number one tip already: maintain a neutral body position so that your arms, wrists, hands, and fingers are properly aligned.  What does this have to do with your mouse?  Selection and usage of your computer mouse will reinforce proper alignment and help to relieve the pain you have been experiencing from mouse usage.

When selecting a mouse, you should pay specific attention to the pointer size, shape, and settings:

·         Select a pointing device designed to fit the hand that will normally operate it.  Many devices are available in right hand or left hand models: Evoluent and AirO2bic.

·         Select pointing devices that are appropriately sized and that require minimal force to generate movement.  Several of our mice come in multiple sizes to fit small, medium, and large hands: OrthoVia, Hippus, and Evoluent. 

·         Reduce hand strain by limiting pointing device use, and look at mouse alternatives. Central Pointingdevices, such as the RollerMouse devices provide an effective mouse alternative, along with use of keyboard shortcuts.  In fact, both may reduce mouse use and provide relief for hand and arm muscles. 

·         Use a device that better fits the hand or doesn't require bending the wrist while gripping: Evoluent.

·         To reduce unnecessary movement and to improve your efficiency, look for devices that have features such as additional buttons to program shortcuts, as well as adjustable settings for speed and sensitivity.  All models in our Ergonomic Mouse & Central Pointing Device sections have such features.   

For detailed information please click on any of the images above to read more about a specific brand or see our Ergonomic Mouse page for an overview and comparison chart.

 

End Pain from Mouse Usage

If the pointer/mouse is not near the keyboard you may experience awkward posture, contact stress, or hand overexertion while using the device. Working in this position for prolonged periods places stress on the shoulder and arm and increases the likelihood of awkward wrist and shoulder postures which may lead to musculoskeletal disorders.

Possible Solutions

·         Position the pointer/mouse to allow you to maintain a straight, neutral wrist posture. This may involve adjustments in your chair, desk, keyboard tray, etc.

·         If the keyboard tray/surface is not large enough to accommodate both the keyboard and mouse, try one of the following to limit reaching:

·         Use a mouse platform positioned over the keyboard. This design allows the mouse to be used above the 10-key pad.

·         Install a mouse tray next to the keyboard tray.

·         Use a keyboard that has a pointing device, such as a touchpad, incorporated in it.

·         Use a keyboard without a ten-key pad, which leaves more room for the pointer/mouse.

·         Install keyboard trays that are large enough to hold both the keyboard and mouse.

·         Use a mouse pad with a wrist/palm rest to promote neutral wrist posture.

·         Substitute keystrokes for mousing tasks, such as Ctrl+S to save, and Ctrl+P to print.

 

Along with many of the tips on this page, more information about mouse selection and usage may be found at www.osha.gov.

Please note that the material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of Zenlap LLC. Advice on the treatment or care of any individual should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.